AMERICA'S DECISION.

Taranaki Daily News, 12 April 1917, Page 3

AMERICA'S DECISION.

EFFECT ON COMMERCE. DEALING WITH RESIDENT GERMANS. In view of the position of affairs in the United States at the present time, Mr. A. A. Winslow, the American Consul, was seen (reports the Auckland Star of Wednesday), and furnished some interesting information. Asked as to the probable- effect on the export trade if America joined the Allies, the Consul 6aid: "I have no reason to think we will not be able to handle our orders as usual. Of course, there may be a few lines affected, but, speaking generally, there should be no trouble about getting supplies of goods for the trade in New Zealand. In the event of the United States going to war, I take it we will do it practically and thoroughly. "I am not in a position to state anyv thing definitely as to what would oj done with the Gorman ships at present in United States ports, but in the event of war I should think they will be taken and made use of. That course would help to relieve the present shortage of vessels.

INTERNAL TROUBLE.

"I do not. think there is a'ny difficulty in dealing with the Germans in America. Although there are a great number of Germans in the United States, -still in the event of war I am sure there are very many who would not try to interfere with the Government. The general public in the United States would be able to deal with any Germans who might try to cause trouble. The census figures for 1910 show the foreign-born population as follows: British 3,303,792, who with the first generation born in America total 10,037,420; Gerraan-boru 2,750,082, who with the first generation total 8,871,271; Italians 1,365,000, with first generation 2,151,422; Russian-born 1,602,752, and Austrian-born 1,174,924. ' "I had a letter yesterday that wHs written just after the break. In one of the colleges a German professor said a little too much, and someone, took him to task for it, ami slapped hjs face. The letter added that tho professor was about to be dismissed from the. faculty. That is the reason I contend the public will be able to dfal with Germans resident in the United States. I may add that from phpt-rs I have received I read that the question of internment camps had already been considered by the authorities. ,

"I had a citizen of the United ocates in my office this morning, wanting to know if war had been declared. He stated he belonged to tlii 'Loval League,' which numbers' 200,000. He' is in command of a regiment raised at Honolulu, and directly war is declared he wants to go back to his charge. These regiments have all their officers appointed in readiness for voluntary service in the event of the United States declaring war. "As far as the raiders are concerned, T should think the danger will be confined to the Atlantic Ocean and if America joins in our fleet will be available for patrolling the seas and protecting the commerce of the Allies." j